POZ’s 2015 Guide to Gifts That Give

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This year, World AIDS Day--a day dedicated to raising HIV/AIDS awareness and remembering those lost to the disease--landed on the same day as Giving Tuesday--a day dedicated to giving back. Keep that spirit alive this holiday with these gift ideas that raise awareness and give back to organizations that fight HIV/AIDS.

Sir Elton John’s Holiday Classic Candle, $38 Looking for the perfect candle to light up someone’s life this Christmas? Consider Sir Elton John’s Holiday Classic Candle by NEST Fragrances. It’s a blend of evergreen and balsam fir needles combined with rich woods and a sparkling citrus accord. (Other scents are also available.) A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, one of the world’s largest grant-makers for HIV/AIDS.

Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Bow Tie, $57 Tie one on with this classic bow tie that supports the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF). The tie’s pattern is an interpretation of the EGPAF logo, which was inspired by Ariel Glaser’s painting of her vision of the world: as a beautiful garden kept bright with sunshine and surrounded by love. This bow tie not only raises awareness for HIV/AIDS, but also raises funds for the important work that EGPAF does around the globe.

World AIDS Day Key Key Ring, $275 How posh is this key ring? Posh enough for UNAIDS Global Goodwill Ambassador Victoria Beckham to include it in her fashion collection. The key-shaped ring is made of blonde gold and features a red World AIDS Day ribbon. All proceeds from its sale benefit the initiatives and organizations supported by UNAIDS.

Broadway Legends: Barbra Streisand Holiday Ornament, $60 The latest edition of the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) Broadway Legends holiday ornament collection is a tribute to the legendary Barbra Streisand. The ornament features Babs as Funny Girl’s Fanny Brice in her iconic red, white and blue sailor outfit. You’ll be the “greatest star” by giving this classic gift, which benefits BC/EFA. Since 1988, the organization has raised more than $250 million for essential services for people living with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.

Shantell Martin amfAR Towel, $40 This limited-edition beach towel designed exclusively for amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, by British visual artist Shantell Martin, is a great accessory for any beach-lover. It features one of Martin’s black-and-white illustrations and the inscription “Be Epic, Cure AIDS.” All proceeds benefit the work of amfAR, including its goal of developing the scientific basis of a cure by 2020.

UNTIL Luggage Tag, $5 Looking for a gift for someone on the go? Check out this faux leather luggage tag that features an elastic loop strap and an elastic closure that protects the information card inside. Proceeds benefit Until There’s a Cure, a national organization dedicated to eradicating HIV/AIDS by raising awareness and funds to combat the pandemic.

Visual AIDS 2015 Tote Bag by Shan Kelley, $20 Create a conversation with those on your holiday list with this tote bag designed by artist Shan Kelley for Visual AIDS. The organization utilizes art to fight AIDS by provoking dialogue and supporting HIV-positive artists. “Let’s Hold Each Other Until It’s All Over” is a sentiment worth sharing.

God’s Love We Deliver Measuring Spoons, $10 You’ll give someone a spoonful of good cheer this holiday with this set of four heart-shaped measuring spoons from God’s Love We Deliver. The NYC-based organization prepares and delivers delicious and nutritious meals to people living with HIV or other life-altering illnesses.

MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus Lipglass, $15 We can’t stop loving this new shade of Lipglass from Viva Glam spokesperson Miley Cyrus. It’s a super-sexy bright orange hue with a sparkling pearl shimmer that will be sure to please any makeup connoisseur on your holiday list. Plus, every cent of each sale goes toward helping women, men and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

PLUS...

On World AIDS Day, ONE and (RED) hosted an night of music at Carnegie Hall, titled “It Always Seems Impossible Until It’s Done.” The event included performances by U2’s Bono and The Edge, Miley Cyrus, Jessie J, and Hozier, and highlighted the accomplishments made thus far in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It also served as a reminder that the work is not done, but it’s clear we have the science and the tools to end the epidemic.

After the concert, Bono appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to kick off the first-ever (SHOPATHON) RED--a shopping extravaganza co-produced by VICE Media that raises money for The Global Fund. The Shopathon offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences with celebrity guests, including:

-Ride bikes with Bono and get ice cream in Central Park -Watch filming and meet some of the cast on the set of Game of Thrones -Join Snoop for the “Merry Jane Wellness Retreat” in Colorado -Meet George Clooney and get complimented by him for 45 seconds -Have Shaq be in your holiday card -Get glammed up with Kim Kardashian and her glam squad -Meet Meryl Streep on the red carpet

Each $10 donation gives you 100 chances to win one of the experiences. Larger donations give you more chances to win, plus other rewards. The deadline for most of the experiences is January 21. Visit omaze.com/red to enter and for more information. Support (RED) this holiday season and you just might end up making someone’s dream come true--as well as help save a lot of lives!